Friday, October 31, 2008

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Okay, enough with my election rants and commentaries! It is time to get back to the most important things- Jesus, His kingdom, and the church.

I need to lighten up a little (you think?). Maybe this will help. Some church bloopers, for real:

Two of our male pastoral staff members were out calling on people who had visited our church the previous week. When the people answered the door, the first pastor, being a little nervous and accustomed to introducing his wife, said, "Hi, I'm Mike and this is my wife, Steve." The couple they were visiting DID come back to church. (submitted by Jeff)

My Granddad once shared some information about missions during a Sunday morning service. He had arranged that a short film be shown at the end of his talk. When he was ready, he announced, "And now we are going to show the strip-film." (Meaning "film-strip" of course). There were sounds of choking laughter throughout all the congregation. (submitted by Christy)

My own blooper- it was Missions conference at the Vine a number of years ago- it was back in the days when we were still using transparency projectors. I was going to put a list of the missionaries and their support needs on the overhead. I said, "I am going to throw up on the projector a list of the missionaries." It was not until I heard someone say 'I hope not' that I realized what I said. Imagine how that 'throw up' would have looked on the big screen!

Be cool and laugh at yourself- it will keep you humble and away from pride!

I just got back from standing in line for one hour to vote for the upcoming Presidential election.

I am fed up with Pastors who as the ‘blind leading the blind’ are voting race rather than morality and Christian ethics! I am fed up with church people who blindly are following these so called ‘Men of God.’ I am fed up with people who call themselves Christians blindly voting color rather than righteousness!

Now I am not a ‘racist’ as my above statements will be labeled and misunderstood. Check my congregation on any given Sunday morning and those Afro-Americans that are members of the Vine and they can vouch that I am not! It shouldn't be about race but one's morality and ethics or the lack thereof. But yet from what I hear it is not! It is about history making and race!

How can ‘Christians’ follow and vote a platform of child killing! Please spare me the argument of fetus versus child - that child is obviously created, fashioned, and purposed by God.

Ps 139:13-16 …Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all [my members] were written, [which] in continuance were fashioned, when [as yet there was] none of them." (KJV)

How can ‘Christians’ follow and vote a platform that attacks the sanctity of marriage! Jesus said about marriage that the basis of it was to God’s original design!

Mk 10:5-9 "But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." NIV

How can “Christians’ vote for a man they know nothing about and that keeps his past hidden. Aren’t you the least bit suspicious?

The church is divided over man’s kingdom. We have forgotten God’s Kingdom and His rule. He said He would write His principles on our hearts. Obviously some are discounting their Kingdom hearts and voting with their earthly ungodly bias!

Dr. Tony Evans, pastor at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Dallas TX., said ‘white evangelicals tended to learn toward morality issues, while black evangelicals were often swayed by social justice issues. If we limit ourselves to that, we not only divide the church, but the nation. We need to rise above partisan politics. God doesn't ride elephants or donkeys.’

He’s right and so many are wrong! I am glad this is about over - and we can get our focus back on Jesus Christ - the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

I believe that God’s judgment is about to fall on a church or nation that rejects His Kingdom rule. This election may be the cataylst that will separate the wheat from the chaff! Lk 3:16.

The next day, the Sheriff's Deputies descend on Virgil's house.They search the shed where the firewood is kept. Using axes, they bust openevery piece of wood, but find no marijuana. They sneer at Virgil and leave.

Friday, October 17, 2008

"I had a pastor friend who went into the pulpit one Sunday morning wearing a pair of new bifocals.

The reading portion of the glasses improved his vision considerably, but the top portion of the glasses didn't work so well. In fact he was experiencing dizziness every time he looked through them.

He explained to the congregation that the new glasses were causing problems, then said, " I hope you will excuse my continually removing my glasses. You see when I look down I can see fine, but when I look at you, it makes me sick." ---George McCracken

Heading off to annual Men's Retreat today and tomorrow. Will post update of it when I return. Great group of men going. And, God will be there!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in network of silver. Pro. 25:11

"For I have put both of you in this place indeed, and it has not been easy. Many don't see failures and disappointments ... and voices who said, "I am with you indeed," only to turn their backs and walk away, you see.

I have hidden you in the depths of this place, indeed, that you would not get in the polluted stream, you see.

I have saved you for My glory and My honor indeed. So be encouraged this day and know and see that I will raise you up in this hour indeed and I will raise up a people who will come with thee.

For there are those who only wanted the ticking of their ears indeed-- and only wanted great projects for their family, you see. "What is your outreach that we may want to stay?" ... indeed, but you did not forfeit worship, or the presence of God, you see, and because of your faithfulness, I am faithful to thee.

For I tell thee that there is a lever that my hand is already on indeed, and I am about to pull the lever and release a river from my throne indeed, that is pure, and holy, and awesome full of power indeed.

You shall go back to the vision I have you indeed! You will lay hands on the sick and they will be healed indeed. You will break the stronghold of the enemy, you will open blind eyes, and declare who I am indeed.

For I tell you-- you would not settle for the GIFTS, indeed, but my PRESENCE became your priority...and because of it, I have anointed lives indeed.

Now, watch my gifts flow through thee: words of knowledge, and words that will set people free.

You will declare to the captives "come and let me touch you" indeed and I tell you REVIVAL will come to this place indeed.

For I have measured out a territory that belongs to thee. You will take a city and SET THEM FREE! Hallelujah! Glory to God! Glory!"

Word to David and Debi Kerrdelivered by Mary Ann BrownSeptember 21, 2008at The Vine FellowshipArlington, Texas

Monday, October 13, 2008

What does a shepherd do? I've heard of people asking how hard can pastoring be? All you have to do is preach once or twice a week. What do you do with the rest of your time?Golf? Tennis?

Here is a schedule of my week 10/5-10/12:

10/5-Preached 1 year anniversary service for Impact Cowboy Church in Nacogdoches Tx.-Drove home to Arlington.-Stopped at hospital to visit man (Sam) in our church who had a heart attack while I was gone.

10/6-Awakened with calls that friends of ours son and wife lost their 2 week old baby, Savannah.-Drove to Dallas to comfort them at medical City hospital.-Drove back to Arligton and visited Sam back by the hospital.-Woman from church fell and broke her arm, in emergency room.

10/7-In office doing administrative and financial work.-Counseled a troubled marriage.-Had staff meeting.-Asked to do funeral of Savannah.-Mike and Jane Bailey arrived for the week with us. He is Liberty Fellowship Church Plant director.-Prepared for funeral.

10/8-Drove an hour away to Frisco to do Savannah’s funeral.-This was all day away.

10/9-Met with Mike and Liberty Fellowship Pastor.-Made LF calls and answered email.-Drove to Glen Rose with the Baileys and attended Creation Science Museum.

10/10-At hospital at 6:30am to pray with Sam and wife before his open heart surgery. They were spending the day at home- scheduled to be 5 hour surgery.-Picked up Dr. Fred from airport, a counselor that was spending the weekend with a couple with marriage problems. To breakfast with him, checked him into hotel, then got him settled in my office for counsel-To hospital to visit with Sam’s family and check on his progress. What was to be triple bypass for Sam ended up five.-Out to dinner with Baileys and Dr. Fred.

10/11-Tennis at 7am-Went to Dallas Arboretum with Baileys.-Home, nap, to hospital to see Sam. Talked with family.-Out to dinner with Baileys and Dr. Fred.-Prepared for Sunday’s message. To bed at 1am.

10/12-Up at 5am to prepare for Sunday.-Preached and attended church picnic.-Home and CRASHED!

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Where have all the shepherds of God's people gone? With the emphasis on growing BIG mega-churches, someone has lost out! And it is not the shepherds! It is God's flock!

I met a man this weekend that had served his church faithfully for many years. He cooked for them every week . In a freak accident he was run over by a truck and had to have both legs amputated. Ninety two days in the hospital and not one visit from the pastor of his church!

He lay there broken, confused, hurting, and questioning. A pastor friend of mine visited him, loved on him, and comforted him. He invited him to his church when he got out and was able. To which the man responded, "What the hell can I do for you!" My friend told him he didn't want anything from him but just to care and comfort him! He is now there at my friend's church and is a leader at that!

92 days - no pastoral visit - why? Because we have lost what a shepherd-pastor does - many have traded their call from God to care for His flock to that of running a ministry (church). CEO instead of pastor! They have relegated their care of the flock to someone else. That is their business but God's people still need genuine men who care for their souls!

Eze 34:1-2The word of the Lord came to me: "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? NIV

Dake lists fourteen sins of the shepherds of Israel:1. They feed themselves without feeding the flocks of Israel (Eze 34:2).2. They eat the fat and clothe themselves with wool, but do not feed the flock (Eze 34:3).3. They kill them that are fed.4. They have not strengthened the diseased (Eze 34:4).5. They have not healed the sick.6. They have not bound up the broken.7. They have not brought again that which was driven away.8. They have not sought the lost (Eze 34:4,6).9. They oppressed their subjects (Eze 34:4).10. They scattered the flock (Eze 34:5).11. They have not been true shepherds.12. They caused flock to be destroyed.13. They have not protected the flock.14. They ignored the true condition of the flock (Eze 34:6).

Amazing how history repeats itself. My heart is broken for God's people!

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Well here you have it - what the liberal press really thinks of Christianity and now is willing to put it into print!

A recent Los Angeles Times story claimed that as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, Sarah Palin espoused young-earth creationism. The report prompted liberal Internet columnist Robert Paul Reyes to brand Palin a "religious fanatic" with a "Neanderthal faith" who "thinks that 'The Flinstones' is a reality show."

Reyes suggests that during tonight's vice-presidential debate, Palin should be questioned about her reported belief that God created the earth 6,000 years ago and that dinosaurs and men coexisted.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Have you ever had the same feeling, like you: didn't want to go in to see the dentist,didn't want to go in to see the principal,didn't want to go in to see the IRS agent,didn't want to go in to the elders meeting,didn't want to go in to the church on Sunday,didn't want to go in to see the brain surgeon,didn't want to go in to see how your 401k is fairing...

About Me

PONDER-to weigh in the mind, to think about, reflect on.
"He chose his servant David, calling him from the sheep pens. He took David from tending the ewes and lambs and made him the shepherd of Jacob's descendants — God's own people, Israel. He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands." Ps 78:70-72 NLT